Scripture Reading: Acts 1:4-11, Acts 2:1-13, Joel 2:28-32, John 14:15-31
This Is the New Testament is part of a twelve-week thematic overview of the entire Bible. As we read, we’ll gain a broader understanding of the redemptive story of Scripture. Each day we’ll read a thematic selection from a different book of the Bible, along with supplemental passages that show how the theme of that day’s main reading is found throughout Scripture. We’ll also read a brief summary of each book and a reflection on how the book fits into the larger story of Scripture.
The Book of Acts: The book of Acts is the second volume written by Luke. It continues where the Gospel of Luke ends, recording the work of the early apostles to spread the gospel in Jerusalem and the greater Mediterranean world. This historical account also documents how the early Church was built—person by person in city after city—through the dynamic power of the Holy Spirit.
How Acts Fits Into the Story: The book of Acts bridges the years between those who walked with Jesus firsthand and those who came to faith through their testimony. This book shows the fulfillment of Jesus’s promise to send the Holy Spirit to His disciples and how the Holy Spirit sustained, equipped, and grew the early Church. It also gives us context for many of the New Testament letters, especially Paul’s correspondence with the churches he helped establish during his missionary journeys.
Reflection Questions:
1. According to Acts 1:8, what is one purpose of the Holy Spirit? How does today’s reading expand your understanding of who the Holy Spirit is?
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
Take time to reflect on your responses and share what you are learning with others in the community in the comments.
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69 thoughts on "Acts"
Praying for you all today!
Reflection Questions:
1. According to Acts 1:8, what is one purpose of the Holy Spirit? That once the Holy Spirit comes on us we will receive power that allows us to become witnesses of Jesus; of who He is and the power He carries.
How does today’s reading expand your understanding of who the Holy Spirit is?
The Holy Spirit plays a larger part in our journey than I thought.
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
I’m learning something new everyday.
Acts is wonderful to read. So many exciting things happen in the Book of Acts. I can’t imagine being in the room when the Holy Spirit descended! And can just see the looks of astonishment as everyone began hearing Peter and the Apostles preach, and everyone understood in their own language. I wonder if there were some astonished faces on the faces of the Apostles,too. And that’s just the beginning! Acts reads like an exciting action novel, and it’s all real!
Acts 1.8 tells us that the Holy Spirit gives us power to tell and witness and share the Gospel and life of Jesus. To be His witnesses.
Acts 1:8 reminded me that the Holy Spirit empowers us to be witnesses for Christ. He gives us the strength, wisdom, and courage to live out our faith and share the hope of the gospel.
Today’s reading also shaped my understanding of redemption by showing that God’s plan continues through His people. The Holy Spirit equips believers to carry the message of Jesus to the world, and we have the privilege of being part of that mission today.
Acts 1:8 tells us spread the Good News throughout all the world through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Happy Friday shes:)
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Reflection Questions:
1. According to Acts 1:8, what is one purpose of the Holy Spirit? How does today’s reading expand your understanding of who the Holy Spirit is? According to this verse alone, the Holy Spirit gives us POWER (fire) to witness about Him. To be bold in speech (Peter stood up to speak to large crowds, being a fisherman without prior public speaking training), to speak with clarity under threats and pressure (Steven full of the Holy Spirit gave a long and systematic defense of the gospel), to be guided WHERE to go (Peter was instructed to go to Cornelius’ house), miracles and signs to accompany those with Spirit-empowered witness as a confirmation for the message (Peter healed the lame with his shadow). Isn’t that so powerful? The Spirit of GOD has so many other purposes, but to evangelize is a big one and I am glad the 1st question zooms into it today. For me, the Spirit of GOD has always been the One that cultivates character (the fruit of the Spirit through the character of the person He indwells, nine visible positive attributes of the person living in according with God’s spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control). He is the distributer of spiritual gifts (such as teaching, encouragement, giving, healing, etc) to build up the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:4–7 “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good”). He always guides me on what to pray especially when in the dark nights of the soul He is there a Comforter and a Teacher (Romans 8:26 “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words”). We are not able to change on our own, despite our best efforts. We are so weak in the flesh. And the Spirit of God within us is the faithful one to bring us moral conviction, helping us to recognize the need for repentance and daily alignment with God’s values/ righteousness in our actions (John 16:8 “And when He comes, He will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment”).
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2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption? Without His Spirit, we would be under the sinner’s identity and in sin’s territory. But we are paid for, purchased, redeemed, no longer slaves, but children of the Most High God, “you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children”. We need to know we are free, not just believers. So when the wages of sin show up at your door, a package from the devil, a collection notice demanding you pay a debt that’s already been settled, don’t sign for it. Don’t take that package inside. Now ignorance isn’t bliss, but costly. That debt isn’t yours anymore. Satan is good at convincing us that we are suffering now because of something we owe/we fail last week/ last month/ last year, or even something our parents fail and the generation curses tag along us or our children, etc. We silence those thoughts, capture them and cast all out in Jesus’ Name. We counter with the Word. We cling to the Word and the Author. We command those evil wages of death to depart from us, we speak blessings over ourselves and our children to counter those curses in Jesus’ Name. Redemption has been paid in full.
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Joining our sisters to pray for rain from Heaven to subside the wildfires in Canada, for safety, help and successful solutions to put out fire and clearer air quality in many affected areas.
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HEATHER H- praying for your long drive this weekend to be peaceful to see your MIL, and may the rescue mission be well received, and for patience to try again if rejected. I pray for friends and community around your MIL to surround her in such a time.
MICHELLE P- ❤️
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Be blessed dear sisters.
“So when the wages of sin show up at your door, a package from the devil, a collection notice demanding you pay a debt that’s already been settled, don’t sign for it. Don’t take that package inside. Now ignorance isn’t bliss, but costly. That debt isn’t yours anymore. Satan is good at convincing us that we are suffering now because of something we owe/we fail last week/ last month/ last year, or even something our parents fail and the generation curses tag along us or our children, etc. We silence those thoughts, capture them and cast all out in Jesus’ Name. We counter with the Word. We cling to the Word and the Author. We command those evil wages of death to depart from us, we speak blessings over ourselves and our children to counter those curses in Jesus’ Name. Redemption has been paid in full.”
Mercy, this is SO uplifting and inspiring to me! Thank you for these words.
1. The Holy Spirit empowers us to spread the GOOD NEWS of Jesus as we unable to walk the walk of Jesus alone as we need the guidance and also convicts us when we need it. I also love how the Holy Spirit prompts us to do this or that or EVEN whisper…”don’t go that way” while driving or me on a run.
2. I follow JESUS! I trust HIM!
I trust my Jesus through all the major “life changes” coming up. I soon will be abruptly “empty nested” as my son has decided to take a job in SF and will be moving there. He’s still working out all the logistics. I’m praying for God’s will (not mine). AND still waiting to hear if Alyssa has “early” move-in as she has training for an on job on-campus job. MY HEART!!!
Oh my! :/ Yes, the letting go is so hard. But you raised them fantastically and it is so good they are ready to fly, knowing you are there and supporting them! I hate being so far away from my only son…I feel like I am missing out on this part of his life in the 20’s. But he is busy and rotates around his gf, and would probably have little time for me anyways! But—I feel like he would go to church with me, which he doesn’t since I left. I will pray they both find a church to attend in their new area. Love you friend…big hugs!
Big changes indeed! I can imagine how emotional this will be for you.
Congratulations to Caleb!
Letting our children go is such a big deal! I only got through it with prayer and trusting her to God. Now, she’s 47, and I still put her, her husband and each of my grandchildren in His Hands every day.
To witness about Jesus. Share our great news.
Jesus is always walking along side us.
Q1, Acts 1:8 is pretty clear that our purpose is to witness. I’ve come across the question of purpose from a couple of longtime believers (one 92 and the other a 88 year) it has puzzled me. To be fair… I think purpose used to be presented as a defining work to be performed in our own strength and not the outward expression of faith-filled love that is accomplished outside of ourselves and our circumstance. It has been helpful to me to think of purpose simply as a faithful act to reflect Jesus I first and foremost daily.
I agree Cindy, I think to reflect Him in all we say and do, as best we can. Matthew 5:16, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven”.
The Holy Spirit…
•The 3rd person of the trinity
•One who dwells in our hearts
•Our advocate
•He will never leave us
•He is our teacher
•He reminds us of what we’ve learned (oh how I pray He reminds our prodigals!!)
•He is our peace
•He seals us till the day of our redemption
•He is our “down payment” for heaven
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What a gracious Father to leave His Holy Spirit with us. He knew how much we needed Him and how utterly helpless we are without Him. What a glorious gift to have the Holy Spirit dwelling within our hearts! Praise God, praise God, praise God!
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@Michelle P – it’s so good to see you back, we’ve missed you!
@Heather H – praying for your 3 hour trip and that your MIL will welcome you, your hubby and your BIL – and that she will allow you into her home and accept the help in getting her fridge & furnace fixed!
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Praying for Canada and that the fires can be put out, & safety for all those fighting the fires. Yesterday in our area of NJ the air quality from the Canada fires peaked at 250 – normal range is 0-50!…Today is much better and we can see the sun again!
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To all, be safe, be blessed!
Acts 1:8- we receive power and we will be His witnesses.
This shows God’s desire to reach all nations! I think this a great reminder to not count out anyone from God’s plan. We are to share Him and the Holy Spirit will do the work! We don’t have to be fearful of the outcome, He does the work!
Praying for all! Have a wonderful Friday!
Amen, Let the Holy Spirit do the work.
Yes, I have to constantly remind myself this..NoT MY will Lord…You just use me…get me and my ways OUTTA the way!
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Even though it is not for us to know, He is with us in the meantime. He has not left us as orphans! What comfort (especially when our world is the way it is!)
Q1, according to Acts 1:8, we receive power from the Holy Spirit to be a witness for Jesus, every day and wherever we are at. And according to Acts 2:11 when they were filled with the Holy Spirit, they declared the magnificent acts of God.
Q2- by giving us the Holy Spirit. Jesus was truthful when he said he will always be with us and never leave us alone. Not only did Jesus redeem us, but as he promised, he will always be with us. This is His beautiful peace He gives us so our heart should not be troubled or afraid. Be courageous today ladies and trust in our Savior
❤️ God bless and keep you, Shes!
May we continue as the early church did, being a witness (in one accord) to those surrounding us :)
Michelle P. ❤️ :)
Yes, we must know you are our Michelle P! :) Wish it showed our pics…I love your uniqueness and smile.
❤ ☺
Amen ❤️
interesting to see church ⛪️ history
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Tauren Well’s song “Breath On It” plays right now, one of my current favs and goes perfectly!
We receive the Holy Spirit when we accept Jesus, but sadly, many of us, don’t see a change in our lives. We have to abide in his word. Not just reading it, but letting it become transforming. We have to see our unworthiness to God, yet through Jesus we are worthy. Then know and believe the power of the Holy Spirit!
I didn’t really learn this growing up in church. I knew it more as a Spirit moving around us, not really in us. So it is crazy that we can have belief in Jesus and know he is our Savior to heaven, and not utilize his power in us. I think it is a choice to move in action and know that we can’t do ministry, love sinners, forgive, be gentle and kind…in our own strength.
We have to choose to die to ourselves and have complete reliance on the Spirit. When we want to be used by God to minister and disciple, which is a command, we can All do it with the Holy Spirit. With our own personality and uniqueness, we are equipped.
He is our comforter, our strength, our peace. When we feel crushed by the world, drowned by sorrow or grief, depressed and disappointed, suffering with illness and pain…we have the Spirit. Our helper. Our sustainer. Praise God we are not alone.
When we don’t know how to pray..he helps us. He connects us to Jesus, which tells the Father our needs. Hard to fathom. Before we had to trek to the temple, or to the priest, now we can go straight to Jesus ourselves.
The book of Acts shows the first church—the followers of Jesus. They were to go and tell the world. That is still true for us today. Our one purpose on this earth, to tell of Jesus. To love others well. Not really what I wanted my life to be…but once you know it, there is nothing better. When we know what our life was before Jesus and then after, sharing that is easy. And when we don’t know what to say- The Spirit gives us the words. Get out of the way with our worry and nervousness—and let him speak through you! Find ways to serve your community. Go to the homeless and feed, go to the imprisoned and proclaim, sign up for the mission trip and SEE! There are so many opportunities all around us! We just have to be willing to say Yes to God! Praying everyday- How do you want to use me?!
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You said it well, Rhonda! Relying on the Holy Spirit to help me in a specific area where patience is needed! I am about down to my last nerve and it’s still morning. lol
lol! Right!?
I didn’t see a big change in my life. I agree you need to give yourself up to Him. It is not easy to do in our shiny world dangling in front of us. But once you feel the emptiness of that world you will choose Jesus.
Honestly I didn’t really get it until about 5 years ago. I am too much in charge of myself. I didn’t think of it as pride as much as just not knowing I HAVE the Spirit for my benefit…every day, all the time…and “to walk in the Spirit!” That didn’t register until the church I joined here! They are examples of walking in the Spirit..praying in the Spirit, and calling on the Spirit for everything! It’s not a Pentecostal church, it is a non-denominational. But it is breathing and living the word, and transforming!! It is nothing like the church I grew up in that was boring in my eyes. lol. Now I know I can have that not just on Sundays, but every day!
I thought of you and Tina a lot the last couple of weeks when there with my sister and her pain. Knowing it will be with her from here on..
Amen sister. How is your back feeling? Praying for your sister Donna and family as things settle.
Thank you friend/sister! All the back pain God held at bay during the 2 weeks there…all returned back to normal on the plane ride home! But I’ll take that. I praise Him that my back did so well there…and I held my great niece that’s 5 weeks old A LOT! Oh Babies..the smell and snuggles.
I had decided to put our Enduring Chronic Pain group on hold for summer, that was right before we lost my co-leader. It was good that I didn’t have to manage that while I was gone as I did jail and my Sat group. I need to pray if to resume it in the Fall or let someone else take it over. Praying now.
The Holy Spirit gives us the power to become witnesses.
Sometimes I wonder why the Acension of Jesus is not talked about more.
Pastor JD Walt said, ” The ascension of Jesus mysteriously means completely different things at the same time: he is high and lifted up. He is nearer than our breath. This makes prayer in the name of Jesus more than a prayer of human longing. Jesus raises prayer to the level of participation in unfolding the will of God- on earth as it is in heaven.
The ascension of Jesus makes Christian prayer possible
To pray as a Christian means immediacy of access to Jesus, who is right here, right now.
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Q1 – we are promised power to be able to carry out Jesus’s command to us to “go and make disciples of all nations”.
Q2 – I read somewhere that Acts is the “bridge” between Jesus’s earthly ministry and the global church. It fulfills God’s promise to Abraham, “you will be a father of many nations”. I love Acts because I love to see the movement of the Holy Spirit and to learn how the church grew. It’s because of Pentecost that I/we are here today. Pretty amazing!
I love Acts too, Tami. The faithfulness of God, giving the Holy Spirit, the faithfulness of the disciples to wait in Jerusalem for this gift, and all the people who have been faithful as a witness to all God has done. And the Holy Spirit is working within us to spread the gospel.
The work of the Holy Spirit is to empower us to be witnesses in all we do, all places we go. Its both an opportunity and a responsibility that we should take seriously and not set aside. What a humble privilege that we could be the reason that someone calls on the name of the Lord.
Heavenly Father help us never miss an opportunity for the Holy Spirit spirit to ove and work, to shine your light, to be a vessel of sharing the Good News of the Gospel. Thank you that you don’t leave us on our own and that your Spirit is at work anongst us. Amen
Amen
So many words of love, truth and conviction in these Scriptures.
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Jesus’ disciples still didn’t totally grasp that the restoration Christ brought was of the heart and not of Israel as an earthly kingdom.
Praying for Israel to know Jesus as Messiah. Such a sad thing that for the most part God’s chosen people still don’t believe.
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As Christians, we have the Holy Spirit as a Helper, Comforter, an intercessor in prayer, teacher, truth guide, providing power through strengthened faith …
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Are we showing and living the fruit of the Spirit?
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control?
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The words of Jesus, those letters in red …. If you love Me, keep My commandments; He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me; If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me…
He who does not love Me does not keep My words.
Sobering words, sisters. Convicted to be more aware and deliberate in who I am as a child of God.
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Sweet, Sweet Spirit (Doris Akers 1962)
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There’s a sweet, sweet Spirit in this place,
And I know that it’s the Spirit of the Lord;
There are sweet expressions on each face,
And I know they feel the presence of the Lord.
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Refrain
Sweet Holy Spirit, Sweet heavenly Dove,
Stay right here with us, filling us with Your love.
And for these blessings we lift our hearts in praise;
Without a doubt we’ll know that we have been revived,
When we shall leave this place.
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There are blessings you cannot receive
Till you know Him in His fullness and believe;
You’re the one to profit when you say,
”I am going to walk with Jesus all the way.”
Amen!
Great share, Searching! The song is one of my long-time favorites! Continued prayers for June and Ann. ❤
Beautiful song share. Haven’t thought of it for many years. Thanks for sharing!
Love this song! Thanks for the reminder!
Years ago we often sang that song when we had a pastor that caused (facilitated, I guess) a revival in my heart/congregation/town.
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Convicting words for sure: “keep My commands…” and “fruits of the Spirit…”
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Thank you so much, Searching, and all the She’s praying for me. I am so grateful. ❤️ It has been rough, but saw hope in a good evening last night.
Also, this situation has been helping me learn to praise and give thanks to our triune God in the dark valley, even when my heart doesn’t seem to be in it. I know (hope?) that it is a blessing to God and a reminder to myself that God is always good (and omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, merciful, glorious, etc, etc!)and His will is far superior to what I may think or want.
Amen. Keep praising B!
thankful for the days where hope is seen, B. Reminded of Brandon Lake’s Hard Fought Hallelujah . . .phrases that fit for me in the hard times “There’s days when a praise comes out easy,
Days when it takes all the strength I got”
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“My head, heart, and hands are feeling heavy
That’s when I lift them just a little higher”
Amen❤️
Love this song, thanks for the reminder
Perfect summary. The song is so good: You’re the one to profit when you say, ”I am going to walk with Jesus all the way.”
Had forgotten how much I love this song! Now I’m singing it! ❤️
One purpose of the Holy Spirit is to give believers power to be witnesses for Jesus everywhere-from their hometowns and to the ends of the earth he
Holy Spirit comes to believers to empowerthem to be witnessesfor Jesus.
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Today’s reading shows God does not expect us to “make it” in our own power. Part of His redemption plan includes empowering us for the journey toward the “Celestial City” by His indwelling Spririt.
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Prayers for all under the smoke-filled skies! Be safe when outside. Praying for the safty of the fire fighters and for favorable weather to put the wildfires out
Thank you for the prayers…I am going to assume those extend to us here in Canada as well!
Great reflection, Kelly!
Joining in prayer for all affected by the smoke! I can’t imagine that, but I’ve seen some of the videos. ❤
Praying!
The Holy Spirit is the presence of God that leads us to be more like Jesus so we can spread the good news.
Well said. We can’t be efficient sharers of the gospel or conduct ourselves as the salt of the earth without the Spirit’s help, but Jesus reminds us that that help is with us forever when we abide in Him
I guess the words don’t really speak to the subject of the lesson today, but your comment about “when we abide in him” reminded me of “Abide with Me” a hymn that has been a go to for me recently:
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Abide with me: fast falls the eventide;
the darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me.
2 Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day;
earth’s joys grow dim, its glories pass away.
Change and decay in all around I see.
O thou who changest not, abide with me.
3 I need thy presence every passing hour.
What but thy grace can foil the tempter’s power?
Who like thyself my guide and strength can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, O abide with me.
4 I fear no foe with thee at hand to bless,
ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness.
Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if thou abide with me.
5 Hold thou thy cross before my closing eyes.
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies.
Heaven’s morning breaks and earth’s vain shadows flee;
in life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.
I love this hymn
In the power of the Holy Spirit, we bear witness of the gospel to the world! The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is the wonderful gift of God’s presence within us—helping us to live in the light that Jesus saved us into! May our hearts ever be sensitive to the Spirit’s teaching and leading!
Yes, perfectly said! Amen!